8 Most Used Ways to Send Text from a Computer

We all agree that smartphones these days tend to have bigger screens.

But even as screens keep getting bigger, it’s still a bit of a hassle for people to compose longer texts on their cell phones.

From typos to straining eyes, sending texts on a smaller screen does have its disadvantages.

When working from home or the office, it is more convenient to send and receive text messages from a computer rather than grabbing a mobile phone every five seconds.

This is especially true if it's communication with colleagues, customers, or partners.

Since SMS marketing is one of the most popular methods of communication, businesses often use desktop versions of messaging platforms.

If you are still using your phone to send messages to your customers one by one, you need to adopt a business messaging platform ASAP.

Personal communication still primarily remains on mobile SMS.

A question arises: Can we text from a computer for personal communication too?

The answer is definitely yes.

Why Text from a Computer?

It’s Convenient and Efficient

Many people tend to type faster and compose messages more easily with a computer.

Computers have full-sized keyboards, which make it easier to type out an SMS text as opposed to using the tiny touchscreen keyboards on smartphones.

You’ll find this convenience especially beneficial when you’re frequently sending long or complex messages with links and all.  

It Provides an Extensive View of Conversations

The larger size of computer screens gives you a more extensive view of your message threads.

By having a larger display to look at, you can read and reply to text messages more easily and view multiple conversations at the same time without straining your eyes. 

It Simplifies Copy-Pasting and File Sharing

Although you can do this with a smartphone, copying and pasting content into SMS messages is much easier on a computer.

This makes it easier to share links, documents, and other data from web pages or other applications.

Certain business messaging platforms allow for file sharing, enabling you to send pictures, PDFs, and other media directly from your computer. 

8 Ways to Send an SMS from a Computer Screen

1. How to Send a Text Message from a Computer with Extensions

Perhaps the most practical way to send a text from a computer is by converting an email to an SMS.

There are a few ways to go about this. 

If you use Gmail and popular web browsers like Google Chrome or Firefox, you can download an extension from Google Workspace Marketplace.

After enabling the extension, you will see a phone icon near the send button on your Gmail account.

After that, you can compose your message and click on the phone button.

Then, you enter the destination number and send the text to a phone from a computer.

If the recipient replies to the text, it comes to your email automatically.

2. How to Send Free Text Messages Through Email

If you don’t use Gmail or a popular browser, you can send your messages via a telecom operator gateway.

This option is available mainly in the US and Canada.

To do this, you need to know the telecom operator of the recipient and the operator’s gateway address.

Log in to your email application or website and compose the text you want to send.

After that, type in the 10-digit destination phone number in the “To” field and add the carrier’s gateway address next to it.

Common examples of gateway addresses include:

• T-Mobile: @tmomail.net for both SMS and MMS

• Verizon: @vtext.com for SMS and @vzwpix.com for MMS

• AT&T: @text.att.net for SMS and @mms.att.net for MMS 

To send a text message to an AT&T cell phone from your computer, for example, log in to your email account.

Then, compose the text you want to send and write the 10-digit number followed by @txt.att.net in the “To” field.

Now, you can send the email as you would normally do.

Subsequently, the recipient will receive your email as a text message.

When the recipient replies to your message, it arrives in your email inbox. 

3. How to Send an SMS from a Computer Using iMessage

Sending texts from a computer using iMessage is a walk in the park.

To start, open the iMessage application on your MacBook.

Then, click on the “contacts” icon in the top-left corner of the screen.

Next, find the contact that you want to reach and click on their name.

Once you’ve done that, you’ll see a text field appear at the bottom of the screen.

Type your message into that field and hit “enter” to send it.

4. How to Send SMS from a Computer Via Messages by Google

You can send messages from your computer just as effortlessly with Google’s Messages as you could with iMessage.

To begin pairing your PC and Android device, all you have to do is scan this QR code.

Once everything is set up, you should be able to send an SMS from your PC with a WiFi connection. 

5. How to Send a Text Message from a PC Using Google Voice

Using Google Voice to send free texts from a computer is an excellent choice.

To get started, go to voice.google.com and select the "Messages" option.

To send your message, select "Send a message" at the top of your screen, then enter your message, and your contact's phone number and then click "Send.

Google Voice also allows you to view and reply to incoming messages.

As long as they don't exceed the two-megabyte restriction, you may even send GIFs or photos with your text. 

6. How to Send a Message from a Computer Via a Wireless Carrier’s Website

Certain wireless carriers allow you to send SMS and MMS messages directly via their online portals.

You can use your web portal to access the portal (such as My Verizon for Verizon users) and sign in. 

Once you’re in, use the website to send messages to a cellphone from your computer.

Some carriers like T-Mobile even offer desktop apps for more convenient access—which means you won’t need to use your browser to open the software. 

7. How to Send SMS Messages Through Microsoft’s Phone Link App

Microsoft’s Phone Link App is another easy way to send a text message from your PC.

All you need is a Microsoft account, the Link to Windows app on your phone, and a computer that’s linked to the same network as your mobile device.

Note that Phone Link is the PC version of the app, while Link to Windows is the smartphone version. 

Use the QR code in the Phone Link or Link to Windows application to connect your PC and mobile phone.

Next, open the Phone Link app on your computer and click on “Messages.”

Start a new chat by selecting “New Message.”

Then, choose the recipient by typing in their name or number, and start texting. 

8. Sending an SMS from a Computer via Business Texting Software

One of the easiest ways to send a text message from a PC is by using a business messaging solution like Dexatel.

Such platforms are primarily used for mass texting and two-way messaging with customers, but they are also great solutions for group messaging with colleagues, or, for example, as an HR tool for communicating with candidates.

As a leading provider of business messaging and communication solutions, Dexatel offers a platform that simplifies the process of computer texting.

All you need to do is create an account using your computer, buy a textable number, and you’re good to go.

Once the setup is complete, you can start using your computer to send text messages directly to your customers’ phones.

The platform makes it easy to send and receive SMS communications on your PC.

Choosing the Best SMS Platform for Texting from a Computer

1. User-Friendly Interface

Make sure the online texting platform that you choose has an interface that’s intuitive and easy to use.

Composing, sending, and managing text messages from a computer should be a hassle-free process.

2. Reliability

You’ll want the platform provider to have a proven record of reliability and high deliverability rates.

Evaluate the platform’s performance by checking customer reviews and testimonials.

3. Security

The platform you opt for must comply with data protection and privacy regulations.

Check for solutions like two-factor authentication and secure storage of data to safeguard sensitive information.

4. Customer Support

Consider the quality of customer support that the platform provider offers.

Timely and helpful support is crucial when you have urgent questions or technical issues.

5. Pricing Structure

Check the pricing plans and account for the cost implications with your expected usage in mind.

The provider should have transparent pricing, so keep an eye out for hidden fees.

Unlike most other providers, at Dexatel we do not charge per month; we charge per sent SMS, making our platform much more affordable.

6. Free Trial Version

Many SMS marketing platforms offer a free trial version.

If this option exists, try it out to see if the platform’s features suit your needs.

At Dexatel, we have one as well, and it’s not limited by time.

You will receive $2 that you can use to test anytime.

Best Practices for Sending Text Messages from a Computer

• Use keyboard shortcuts: Get familiar with keyboard shortcuts for functions that you use frequently in SMS texting. Shortcuts like sending, copy-pasting, and selecting contacts can boost speed and productivity when texting from a computer.

• Schedule your messages: Make use of your SMS platform’s scheduling feature to send messages that you have planned in advance. This is ideal for setting up your campaigns in batches and maintaining a consistent texting schedule.

• Create text message templates: Prepare a series of SMS templates for frequent scenarios to speed up the texting process. You can make them relevant to each of your recipients by customizing them with personalized fields such as names or dates.

How to Receive Text Messages on a Computer

There are a few different ways to get text messages from a cell phone on your computer, but one of the most common is to download software.

Some popular ones include iMessage for Mac and MyPhoneExplorer for PC.

After downloading and installing a program, you will need to connect your phone to your computer via a USB cable.

The program should then show your text messages and allow you to read them on your computer.

If you are using the Dexatel platform for this, you will be able to see received messages in your omnichannel inbox within our platform.

How Rona Scrubs Boosted Productivity by Texting from a Computer

The benefits of switching SMS communications from a mobile phone to a computer are no secret.

And one organization that is no stranger to these benefits is Rona Scrubs, an Australian non-profit dedicated to providing free scrubs to healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Before using computers to send SMS text messages, Rona Scrubs used to confirm orders by manually texting their contacts.

The entire process would take over five hours.

But by switching to an online computer-based portal, it only took 20 minutes.

The organization immediately saw a spike in efficiency and productivity as a result.